Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) For Hearing Aids

If you receive Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) income support, you may qualify for a Hearing Aid Benefit that can cover the remaining share of hearing aid costs after ADP and help with batteries, repairs, and related services. ODSP recipients, their spouses, and dependent children under 18 may be eligible.

Before the process, you must meet with your ODSP caseworker to determine eligibility and have the ODSP Hearing Aid Benefit Authorization Form completed and sent to a provider registered with ADP. Audiologists at Toronto Hearing Services can then take it from there.

ODSP funding is separate from the Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP). If you qualify for both programs, ADP may contribute toward the hearing aid and ODSP may help with eligible costs that ADP does not cover.

What can ODSP help cover?

Subject to the applicable ODSP schedule and approval requirements, the Hearing Aid Benefit may assist with:

1) Hearing aids covered under ADP for the remaining amount, including implantable hearing aids. 

2) Approved dispensing fees and professional fees.

3) Hearing aid batteries and parts, such as tubes, domes, impressions, and earmoulds.

4) Hearing aid repairs.

5) CROS and BiCROS systems, also FM systems and other alerting systems.

The amount available depends on the type of device or service, the applicable ODSP schedule, and whether additional approval is required. But just like other healthcare programs, getting just the device is not comprehensive enough to actually help your brain health. Read more about how hearing actually works and how Toronto Hearing Services’ treatment can help here.

Hearing aid technology through ODSP

Adults may generally receive funding for mid-level hearing aids when the device is covered under the program. Advanced-level hearing aids may be considered for adults who are employed, actively pursuing employment, or attending school.

Advanced technology may also be requested when there is a documented medical reason. These requests may require review under ODSP’s Exceptional Circumstances policy. Audiologists at Toronto Hearing Services will assist you in making the decision and prepare the necessary documents if your condition requires support at the more advanced level.

Children may qualify for advanced-level hearing aids and approved accessories. The appropriate device should be selected according to hearing needs, communication requirements, safety, school or workplace demands, and the person’s ability to use and maintain the technology.

Who may qualify for ODSP?

The ODSP Hearing Aid Benefit may be available to:

1) ODSP recipients and their spouse.

2) Dependent children between 0 and 17 years of age.

3) People receiving the ODSP Extended Health Benefit, together with eligible spouses and dependent children.

4) Children whose families receive Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD).

Your local ODSP office must confirm eligibility before the benefit can be used. Eligibility is not determined by a hearing clinic alone.

How to apply for ODSP funding

Do not assume that a hearing aid will be covered simply because you receive ODSP.

ODSP policy states that recipients must meet with their caseworker to determine eligibility and complete the recipient portion of the authorization form.  The specific device, service, and funding amount must be pre-approved by your local ODSP office. Typical steps include:

(1) a comprehensive hearing assessment.

(2) Contact your ODSP caseworker before purchasing a hearing aid, ask whether you are eligible for the ODSP Hearing Aid Benefit, and complete necessary forms your caseworker provides.

(3) Meet with an audiologist at Toronto Hearing Services to discuss appropriate hearing aid optionsompletion of ADP paperwork with an authorizer, such as audiologists at Toronto Hearing Services, and

(4) Ask your audiologist at Toronto Hearing Services to complete the required clinical and billing information, and wait for confirmation of approval before proceeding with costs that require authorization.

Please bear in mind that another approval from your ODSP caseworker is required for any further hearing assessment, a new or replacement for hearing aid, upgraded hearing aid technology, hearing aid repairs or replacement parts, batteries or accessories, additional alerting device.

Always remember to keep copies of your authorization forms, estimates, invoices, and receipts. But rest assured, if you are a patient at Toronto Hearing Services, we always have your back.

The team at Toronto Hearing Services have worked with ODSP for over 30 years – we know how to work with ODSP and we will do the work for you, including the usually very long wait on their phone lines!